RONO HILLS, Feb 21: In a significant step towards strengthening ties between the North Eastern region and the rest of the country, the 12th edition of the Ashtalakshmi Darshan – Youth Exchange Programme commenced at the Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) here on Thursday last.
An initiative supported by the North Eastern Council under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), the programme aims to strengthen cultural exchange, youth engagement, and mutual understanding among students and faculty from different regions of the country.
The inaugural programme set a positive tone for the subsequent sessions ranging for next two weeks, encouraging active participation and exchange of ideas.
A special highlight of the inaugural session was the participation of delegates from Jharkhand and Puducherry. Each delegation comprised two faculty mentors and 20 student participants.
Speaking as chief guest on the occasion, MLA and Advisor to Minister Home & Education Mutchu Mithi encouraged students to actively engage in nation building initiatives. He spoke on the enduring relevance of the principle of “Unity in Diversity” in India and highlighted the unique cultural mosaic of Arunachal Pradesh.
During an interactive session, Mithi responded to questions from students regarding the success of the programme and addressed concerns related to challenges faced by people from the North East in other parts of the country.
In his presidential address, RGU Vice Chancellor (acting) Prof S K Nayak highlighted the unique cultural richness, developmental potential and strategic importance of Arunachal Pradesh, emphasizing its growing role in academic, social and regional advancement. He reiterated the University’s commitment to promoting academic collaboration, cultural harmony, and inclusive development through initiatives such as the Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme.
The VC emphasized that universities must serve not only as centres of learning but also as platforms for building national consciousness and mutual understanding among youth who are the architects of the future.
BaminTarang, Director (Human Resource Development and Employment) of the North Eastern Council, DoNER, delivered an insightful address emphasizing the transformative role of youth exchange programmes in promoting national integration and cross-cultural understanding. He briefly reflected on the achievements of earlier editions and appreciated the exemplary efforts of Rajiv Gandhi University in successfully implementing the initiative.
Earlier, in his welcome address, RGU Registrar Dr N T Rikam highlighted the cultural richness and diversity of the Northeastern region and emphasized the importance of such exchange programmes in promoting national integration, intercultural dialogue, and mutual respect among the youth of the country. He also reiterated the University’s commitment to fostering academic excellence alongside cultural harmony.
On the occasion, a short screening showcasing the first batch of the Ashtalakshmi Darshan programme hosted by RGU was presented, highlighting the objectives, activities, and achievements of the initiative and reflecting its positive impact in strengthening bonds between the North East and other parts of India.
It requires a mention here that the RGU hosted the first ever edition of Ashtalakshmi Darshan during November 2025 with 40 learners from Goa and Uttarakhand visiting the university.
Later, an orientation session was conducted by Dr Ravi Ranjan Kumar, Department of Social Work (RGU) to foster camaraderie, teamwork, and intercultural understanding among the participants. Students were divided into eight mixed teams, each representing one of the eight Northeastern states. Each team prepared and delivered presentations highlighting the uniqueness, cultural heritage, natural resources, traditions, and developmental priorities of their respective states.
The second half of the day featured an academic session on North East India by Prof Sarah Hilaly, Department of History (RGU). The lecture offered historical insights into the socio-political evolution of the region and emphasized its strategic and cultural significance in contemporary India. On 20th February, the visiting students from Jharkhand and Puducherry attended the Statehood Day programme at IG Park in Itanagar, further enriching their exposure to the cultural and civic life of the State.